Warren County is in one of Kentucky’s “red zones” for COVID-19. The county has a high incidence rate of cases that state health officials now want school administrators to consider when planning in-person classes.
The Bowling Green Independent School District has announced that it will continue, through the end of the semester, on its hybrid schedule with students in a specified purple or gold group coming to class on alternating days.
To minimize the spread of the virus, the Bowling Green district also offers COVID-19 testing at the schools for students, staff or immediate family of school staff members.
Bowling Green city schools offer a rapid COVID-19 test with results in about 15-20 minutes for those who have symptoms of the virus within the last five days.
For those without symptoms, a different diagnostic tool called a 'PCR test' can be done. The results of those tests generally come back in 24-72 hours.
The district also has an app for the computer or smartphone that can be used to schedule a telehealth or in-person visit.
Ashley Allen is a nurse-practitioner based at Bowling Green High School.
“I think having the ability to test inside the schools has been critical," said Allen. "That partnership between Graves Gilbert Clinic and Bowling Green Independent School District gave us a needed confidence to be able to open school during the pandemic and hold in-person instruction safely for those who desire it.”
Allen said curbside testing at any of the schools can also be scheduled. The first contact should be the school nurse at each building.
